CA TTLE COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA YEARBOOK 2009 NSWFA Cattle Committee and CCA at Beef Spectacular, Dubbo Left to right: Mick Keogh (Executive Director – Australian Farm Institute), Greg Brown (President – CCA), David Inall (Executive Director – CCA), Jock Laurie (President – NSWFA) and Hamish Munro (NSWFA Cattle Committee). akabane vaCCine The Association in conjunction with Cattle Council of Australia are seeking funding for the modification and improvement of the Akabane Vaccine. If funding is secured field trials will be conducted to test quality control, safety and efficacy of the vaccine for use on cattle. bovine Johne’s disease (bJd) The Association continues to represent beef producers in NSW on issues regarding BJD. Stage 2 of the BJD approach, which involves different trading arrangements for dairy and cattle industries is due to be reviewed in 2009. The Committee representative on the BJD Summit Executive provides an avenue to raise the concerns of members in this review and in the development of stage 3, which involves removal of BJD zones in NSW. 60 food amendment (meat grading) bill 2008 NSW Farmers’ Association has been progressing the interests of livestock members in discussions with members of NSW Parliament around the Food Amendment (Meat Grading) Bill 2008. The Bill, which was introduced in NSW parliament in December 2008, aims to improve the language and compliance around the labelling of beef. It proposes a voluntary labelling system (as it is now) supported by legislation. Wholesalers and retailers who choose to adopt the grading system would be bound to comply with its provisions. A system of inspection from the abattoir through to the retailer or restaurant would be provided to enforce the labelling program and penalise those who do not conform. The Association recognises that the development of a more effective meat packing, labelling and advertising system is best undertaken at a national level to achieve the best possible outcome for the industry. The NSW Minister for Primary Industries has announced that the NSW Government would take the Meat Grading Bill to the national level for immediate action through the Primary Industries Ministerial Council. The Association has also been out and about visiting producers and industry stakeholders in NSW. The Cattle Committee recently travelled to Wagga Wagga and visited the saleyards, Cargill Beef Abattoir, Charles Sturt University Diagnostic laboratory, and Knights Butchery. The Committee also held a producer forum in Wagga Wagga where a number of local producers and industry stakeholders discussed a range of topical issues in the industry. The Association also sponsored the Beef Spectacular in Dubbo, jointly hosting with Cattle Council of Australia three industry forums on climate change policy affecting the beef industry, R&D and being a leader in the industry. The NSW Farmers’ Association congratulates the Cattle Council of Australia on another year of hard work representing Australian cattle producers. Without your assistance, many of the industry issues which are raised would not be resolved. Richard Chamen Chair, Cattle Committee NSW Farmers’ Association Cattle Council Executive 1117_CCA Yearbook 2009.indd 60 5/5/09 8:01:13 PM